What it means
An unusual paleness that comes from less blood flow to the skin or fewer red blood cells. It can be seen in anemiauh-NEE-mee-uhA lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.a- without, lacking-emia blood conditionFull entry , blood loss, shock, cold, fear and fainting. In darker skin, pallor is easier to see in the inner eyelids, lips, gums, nail beds and palms, where skin may look gray or ash-colored instead of white.
For the nurse
Compare with the client's usual color and with the other side of the body. Pallor with a fast pulse, low blood pressure or cool, clammy skin needs a report right away. A pale, cold limb may mean its blood supply is blocked.
In a chart
"Pallor of lips and conjunctiva; hemoglobin 7.8 g/dL."
At a glance
| Everyday words | paleness |
|---|---|
| Spanish | palidez |
Related terms
perfusion
The flow of blood through the body's tissues, bringing them oxygen and nutrients.
hemorrhage
A large loss of blood from a blood vessel, inside the body or out of it.
anemia
A lower than normal number of red blood cells or amount of hemoglobin in the blood.
cyanosis
A blue or gray color of the skin, lips or nail beds.